The Linyanti is a region which encompasses three different wildlife reserves – Kwando, Selinda, and Linyanti – with the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers forming the border between Botswana and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip. Away from these larger river systems, the area is dominated by dry, mopane woodland which stretches for hundreds of kilometres.

This is an area famed for enormous herds of Elephant and Buffalo which flock from these dry woodlands in the dry season towards the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers. The area is also associated with good numbers of large predators including Lion, Leopard, Wild Dog and to a lesser extent Cheetah.

The most famous of Botswana’s wildlife areas, at around 16,000 square kilometres, the Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world and one of the highest regarded safari destinations in Africa. The glistening floodwaters of the delta, begin many hundreds of miles away in the highlands of Angola, before slowly trickling down into the Caprivi strip of Namibia and into northern Botswana where it fans out amongst the golden Kalahari sand.

Incorporating the Moremi Game Reserve and several privately-owned wildlife concessions, the Okavango is a pristine wildlife area which is home to some of the highest densities of big game and birds on the planet.

Elephant, Buffalo, Giraffe and Hippo are in abundance and, along with swathes of common plains game, are accompanied by good numbers of predators including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Spotted Hyaena. The Okavango is also renowned as being one of the last remaining sanctuaries of the endangered African Wild Dog. Birdlife is prolific, with the vast waterways and lagoons being home to over 400 species, many of which are highly sought after - such as the Pel’s Fishing Owl and the Wattled Crane.

The diverse range of habitats within the delta mean that there are a host of different ways to explore this unique place. Game drives in 4x4s allow close-up experiences with most species of wildlife, while one can explore the intricate channels via boat and traditional canoes known as mokoros. For those who want a different perspective, then scenic helicopter flights offer a mesmerising experience over this wetland paradise.

Located in the central part of Botswana, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are the remains of an ancient fossil super-lake and generally offer a slightly different experience to the rest of the country’s wildlife areas. Quad biking is a great way to explore the endless expanse and in recent times, the area has become a favourite for spending time up-close-and-personal with a local family of Meerkats.

It should be noted though, if you are visiting Botswana for big game, then this is not the place for you. However, it’s vastness offers a unique connection with the wilderness and one that is unparalleled by most other safari destinations. Aside from unique desert-dwelling animals such as Meerkats, Brown Hyaenas and Springbok – there is often little game to be seen in the dry season – although the nearby Nxai Pan is home to Lions, Cheetah and Elephants year-round. However, following rains in November, the area is inundated with the second largest migration of Zebra on the planet who come to graze on the mineral rich pastures.

One of the oldest safari destinations in Africa – located in the northern edge of Botswana - Chobe is a vast national park covering over 11,000 square kilometres. Despite its large size, most safaris are conducted within two relatively concise areas.

The first of these is the famed riverfront – the section of the National Park residing on the banks of the Chobe River. The vast floodplain of the Chobe and its gleaming waters are a magnet for game in the dry season – both large and small – and this area is thought to have the largest concentrations of Elephants in Africa. Lions are ever present and can often be seen hunting near the banks of the river. This part of the park also offers some of the finest river safaris in Africa, with regular boat trips offering up close views with swimming Elephants, Hippos, Crocodiles and much more.

It must be said, the Chobe riverfront is Botswana’s busiest tourist destination – so if remoteness and exclusivity are your priority – then this may not be the place for you. However, the value for money you get and the volume and diversity of game you see, make this a very worthwhile visit on any Botswanan itinerary.

The second area where safaris are traditionally done in Chobe is the Savuti area. This dry, remoter part of the park offers much more of an exclusive stay than the riverfront and is home to a large number of predators including Lion, Leopard, Cheetah and Wild Dog. The small amount of water holes in the area provide a lifeline to game in the dry season and provide some extremely unique sightings and animal-to-animal interactions.

Covering 52,000 square kilometres and making up almost 10% of Botswana’s total land area, the Central Kalahari is one of the remotest and pristine wildlife areas in the world, and a place very few every get to witness.

A vast expanse of scrub-laden dunes divided by ancient fossil valleys; the Kalahari is surprisingly home to vast array of animals which have adapted to living in its harsh environment. Gemsbok, Springbok, Giraffe and Ostrich dot the valleys, hotly pursued by large predators including Lion, Leopard and Cheetah.

The Kalahari is a place for everyone; from those in the search on incredible animals to those who simply enjoy the solitude of the endless plains and effervescent starry skies.